Make our youngest generation the greatest

Esteemed University of Iowa alumnus Tom Brokaw extols the virtues of the greatest generation. He refers to the generation that won World War II. Their sacrifices should never be forgotten or minimized.

It is my hope that today's young people are the greatest generation. We need them to be.

No generation has ever faced greater challenges - parents addicted to alcohol, methamphetamine or other drugs. There are problems with poverty, domestic violence, mental health and incarcerated parents.

We need our young people to be their best because our future and theirs depends on their success.

I work with children as an attorney in the Juvenile Court system. I am constantly amazed by their courage and resiliency. I admire their toughness and ability to persevere through trying times.

Even though they are strong, they need help. Helping people when they are young may be the only chance of rehabilitation for many. Reforming a troubled young person is much better than locking up a troubled adult. It also reduces the number of victims of crime. We must protect our children even when the state's budget is in crisis.

The Department of Human Services should not have funds reduced so it is stretched too thin. We should ensure that mental health needs are met for parents and children. Properly caring for them now will make us safer and save money on correctional services.

Let's make the next generation the greatest generation.

Dennis R. Mathahs

Marengo